The Ordway, Minnesota’s flagship performing arts venue, announced Wednesday morning that it has hired Detroit arts executive Christopher Harrington as its next president and CEO, succeeding Jamie Grant who left in June 2020 to head the McCallum theatre in California.
His start date is November 1, 2021.
Harrington who holds a master’s in business administration and a bachelor of music degree from Wayne State University becomes the Ordway’s 12th leader since its founding 36 years ago and its first Black person to lead it.
A news release from the Ordway said Mr. Harrington’s hiring followed a comprehensive national search process guided by Arts Consulting Group. Harrington currently works at Detroit Symphony Orchestra where he is credited with launching its venue The CUBE and increasing its presentations sevenfold. Most noteworthy for an arts organization, he grew ticket revenue by over 300% and grew audiences to better reflect Detroit’s demographics.
The Ordway is also home to the Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and The Schubert Club. Part of Harrington’s duties will be to represent the Ordway on the Arts Partnership Board of Directors which brings together all the four organizations, according to the announcement from the Ordway.
“Chris is a trusted arts advocate and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Ordway family and the Twin Cities,” said Brad Wood, chair of the Ordway’s Board of Directors and its search committee. “Many events of the past year and a half have only underscored the significance of the arts in our lives. He is passionate about community and bringing people together around the performing arts. I can’t imagine a better person to lead the Ordway as we reopen.”
“The Ordway is one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers and boasts diverse programming, a world-class venue, and a dedicated community of arts supporters,” said Harrington. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the talented Ordway team and serve as the organization’s next president and CEO. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, and Arts Partnership to build on the Ordway’s rich legacy and immerse myself in the vibrant arts community here.”
Legendary African musicians that have performed at the Ordway include the late Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela and Angelique Kidjo.
The Ordway will reopen to in-person shows on September 19 after an 18-month closure due to the pandemic. Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or negative test results will be required to attend shows.
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About Tom Gitaa Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief
Born and raised in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, Tom is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Mshale which has been reporting on the news and culture of African immigrants in the United States since 1995. He has a BA in Business from Metro State University and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was the original host of Talking Drum, the signature current affairs show on the African Broadcasting Network (ABN-America), which was available nationwide in the United States via the Dish Network satellite service. On the show, he interviewed Nobel laureates such as 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the peace prize and heads of states. Tom has served and chaired various boards including Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. He has previously served as the first Black President of the Board of Directors at Books for Africa. He also serves on the boards of New Vision Foundation and the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium. He has previously served two terms on the board of the United Nations Association. An avid runner, he retired from running full marathons after turning 50 and now only focuses on training for half marathons.
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